Zelensky Introduces a Comprehensive 20-Point Plan to Address the Conflict with Russia

Post by : Mina Rahman

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has unveiled a revamped 20-point peace initiative aimed at establishing a pathway to conclude the ongoing warfare with Russia. This novel proposal incorporates key demands from Moscow while securing strong assurances of protection for Ukraine from the US, NATO, and other European allies.

A critical element of this plan is the prospective withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from select areas in the eastern Donbas region, reflecting a major request by Russia in past discussions. Instead of a straightforward military exit, the strategy outlines two distinct frameworks for the region: the formation of a free economic zone or the setup of a demilitarized zone. Both alternatives are designed to alleviate tensions and facilitate economic collaboration without jeopardizing Ukraine’s security.

President Zelensky underscored that the most delicate matters—especially those related to territorial authority—must ultimately be managed through direct dialogue between the Ukrainian and Russian heads of state, indicating that certain critical decisions necessitate more than negotiation between intermediaries.

Despite the potential movement of troops in eastern Ukraine, the plan envisions a resilient military framework, maintaining up to 800,000 armed forces to ensure that Ukraine can adequately defend itself against future threats.

Beyond focusing on the Donbas, the peace initiative advocates for the withdrawal of Russian military from four additional Ukrainian areas currently engaged in conflict: Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv. These territories have experienced substantial battles and are pivotal for the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

A notably sensitive aspect of the outline concerns the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, presently under Russian jurisdiction. The proposal recommends creating a special economic zone around the site to mitigate security risks and avert potential nuclear dangers.

Overall, this 20-point peace plan endeavors to harmonize Ukraine’s security needs, the preservation of its sovereignty, and the economic facets of conflict regions. By offering innovative concepts like economic zones paired with formidable international security guarantees, the initiative provides a fresh foundation that could lead to a sustainable resolution to the hostilities.

The effectiveness of this peace effort will significantly rely on negotiations conducted at the highest echelons of political authority and Russia's readiness to engage positively.